John Toggas (middle), pictured with West York assistant coaches Don Lehman and John Sprenkle.Charlie Jacobs, longtime wrestling coach of West York rival Dover, said of Toggas, "John loved the sport of wrestling. He brought great energy and enthusiasm, which always generated much excitement during any matches with his Bulldogs. His 'Bulldog Pride' caused all opposing coaches to work extra hard to compete with his tough squads."
Born in York, Pa. in Jan. 1932, John T. Toggas lettered in wrestling, football and track at York High School, graduating in 1951. He earned his bachelor's degree at Gettysburg College in 1958 (where he was appointed Recreation Director of the Gettysburg Recreation Association as a senior). That year, Toggas began teaching and coaching at Biglerville High School, where he taught science, health, and physical education, was assistant football coach, and head wrestling coach. In six seasons at Biglerville, his wrestlers compiled a 38-32-2 record.
Toggas then moved on to West York High, where he taught health and physical education, and coached wrestling. During Toggas' tenure at West York, the wrestling program built an impressive 269-78-2 overall record from 1964 through 1983 and 1986 through 1991. In addition, he guided three wrestlers to PIAA state titles - Dana Luckenbaugh in 1965, and Bill Luckenbaugh and John Sprenkle in 1969. Toggas was the first wrestling coach in York County to reach 300 wins (Biglerville and West York records combined).
Toggas was welcomed into six unique Halls of Fame: the District 3 Wrestling Coaches' Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980, the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches' Hall of Fame in 1992, the York Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1995, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1999, the South Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Adams County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
John T. Toggas is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Mary Jane, and his daughter Stephanie, and other family members. He was preceded in death by son John S. "Mac" Toggas, Parkland High School wrestling coach until he was struck and killed while walking in 2008.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 17 at 11 a.m. at Christ Chapel on the campus of Gettysburg College, 300 N. Washington St., with Father Andrew Tsikitas of York officiating. Visitation will take place before the service from 9-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West York Wrestling Booster Club, c/o Butch Ludwig, 101 Summer House Lane, York, PA 17408; Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Pine Grove Road, York, PA 17403; SpiriTrust Lutheran Home and Hospice of Gettysburg, 260 W. High St., Gettysburg, PA 17325; or Caring Hospice Services, 400 Commerce Drive, Suite C, Ft. Washington, PA 1903.
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